💊 Phenytoin Tablet 50 mg
📌 1. Prescription / Indications:
Phenytoin 50 mg tablets are prescribed for:
- Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
- Complex partial seizures
- Prevention and control of seizures post-neurosurgery or head trauma
- Occasionally used for cardiac arrhythmias (especially digitalis-induced)
📄 2. Description:
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strength: 50 mg Phenytoin sodium per tablet
- Color: Varies by brand, usually white or light-colored
- Dosage: Individualized based on patient’s age, condition, and plasma levels
🔬 3. Nature / Drug Class:
- Drug class: Anticonvulsant / Antiepileptic
- Mechanism of Action: Stabilizes neuronal membranes and decreases seizure activity by modulating sodium channels, thereby reducing repetitive neuronal firing.
🌟 4. Advantages:
- Effective long-term seizure control
- Non-sedating at therapeutic doses
- Can be used alone or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs
- Available in multiple dosage forms (tablet, capsule, injectable)
📦 5. Common Packaging:
| Package Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Blister strip | 10 or 15 tablets per strip |
| Bottle pack | 100 or 500 tablets |
| Unit dose (hospital use) | Available in institutional settings |
🧊 6. Storage Conditions:
- Store below 25°C (77°F)
- Protect from moisture and heat
- Keep in original container until use
- Do not freeze or expose to direct sunlight
👩⚕️ 7. Patient Advice:
- Take regularly at the same time each day
- Do not stop abruptly without medical advice (may trigger seizures)
- Report symptoms like:
- Unsteady walking
- Nystagmus
- Skin rash
- Swelling of gums
- Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants
- Periodic blood monitoring required (phenytoin levels, liver function)
⚠️ 8. Precautions / Warnings:
- Therapeutic range is narrow (10–20 mcg/mL)
- Risk of:
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Ataxia, slurred speech
- Hepatotoxicity
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Pregnancy Category D: Risk of fetal hydantoin syndrome; use only if benefits outweigh risks
- Drug interactions: Enzyme inducer – may alter levels of warfarin, oral contraceptives, etc.
- Requires dose adjustment in renal or hepatic impairment